Sharing the Missionary Heart of the Church in Malawi
The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi operate under the legal registration of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB).
The Pontifical Mission Societies of Malawi promote and animate the missionary spirit of every Catholic throughout the nation.
Our Mission
The mission of PMS is to create awareness and missionary zeal for the mission of all the baptized Catholics through prayer, personal sacrifice, charity, mission animation and formation, cooperation, and financial support.
Our Vision
The vision of PMS is that all baptized Catholics become missionaries who actively participate in and support the missionary work of the Church in Malawi.
Our Core Values
The Four Pontifical Mission Societies
PMS Malawi carries out its work nationwide through these four societies.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
Est. 1822Founded by Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot
Creates and sustains awareness of the universal mission of the Church, and collects support for that mission. Provides ordinary and extraordinary support for dioceses, catechists, communications, retired bishops, churches, and rectories, among others.
The Society of Holy Childhood (Missionary Children)
Est. 1843Founded by Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson
Creates and sustains awareness of the universal mission of the Church among children, and gathers their support for mission work among children. Provides support for schools, hospitals, and social and missionary projects for children.
The Society of Saint Peter the Apostle
Est. 1889Founded by Jeanne Bigard
Creates and sustains awareness of the need for clergy, religious men and women, and married people to carry out the universal missionary work of the Church. Supports ordinary and extraordinary projects of seminaries and novitiates, and the ongoing formation of formators in formation houses.
The Pontifical Missionary Union
Est. 1916Founded by Blessed Paolo Manna
Builds unity among missionary pastoral agents in their work, who in turn create and sustain a missionary spirit among the people of God. Supports ongoing missionary formation and formation courses for pastoral workers and lay faithful.
Our Contribution to Mission Territories
PMS support reaches thousands of dioceses, parishes, schools, and communities around the world, especially where local Churches are young or lack sufficient resources.
1. Support for Evangelization
- Funding missionary activities and pastoral programs.
- Assisting bishops, priests, religious, catechists, and lay missionaries.
- Providing resources for preaching the Gospel and forming Christian communities.
2. Formation of Children and Young People
Through the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood:
- Children are educated in missionary awareness.
- Schools and catechetical programs are supported.
- Children are encouraged to pray and share with children in need throughout the world.
3. Support for Seminaries and Vocations
Through the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle:
- Seminaries and houses of formation are assisted.
- Seminarians and novices receive support for education, food, health care, and formation.
- Local vocations are strengthened, helping young Churches become self-sustaining.
4. Promotion of Missionary Awareness
Through the Pontifical Missionary Union:
- Priests, religious, and pastoral agents receive missionary formation.
- Missionary spirituality and cooperation are promoted throughout the Church.
- Missionary animation and education are encouraged among the faithful.
5. Material Assistance to Mission Territories
Through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, funds are distributed to mission dioceses according to their needs, supporting:
- Construction of churches and chapels.
- Catechist training centres.
- Schools and educational projects.
- Health centres and dispensaries.
- Transportation and communication for pastoral work.
- Emergency relief during disasters and conflicts.
6. Building Communion in the Universal Church
- PMS fosters solidarity among Catholics worldwide.
- Every baptized person is invited to pray, make sacrifices, and contribute financially for the missions.
- Through World Mission Sunday, the faithful share responsibility for the Church's universal mission.
In Summary
The Pontifical Mission Societies help mission territories to proclaim the Gospel, form future Church leaders, educate children, provide pastoral and material assistance, and strengthen communion among all Churches. Their work ensures that young and needy Churches can grow in faith and become active participants in Christ’s mission.
“All the Churches for the whole world.”